Astronaut Scott Kelly had an identical twin brother when he went into space and set the record for most consecutive days spent in orbit, however that is no longer the case. In a groundbreaking new study, NASA scientists found that Kelly's DNA had been altered upon his return to earth — with 7 percent of his genes experiencing an "unexpected change," according to the agency.
Research teams from around the country had been analyzing the New Jersey native's condition and genetic makeup following his year-long stay aboard the International Space Station as part of NASA's "Twins Study." Kelly said on Twitter that he didn't find out about the results until he saw media reports about the DNA change. "What? My DNA changed by 7%! Who knew?" he tweeted. "I just learned about it in this article. This could be good news! I no longer have to call @ShuttleCDRKelly my identical twin brother anymore."
According to NASA, Kelly's 340 days in orbit may have ultimately activated what scientists describe as "space genes." "This is thought to be from the stresses of space travel, which can cause changes in a cell's biological pathways and ejection of DNA and RNA," the agency said. "Such actions can trigger the assembly of new molecules, like a fat or protein, cellular degradation; and can turn genes on and off, which change cellular function." Researchers said the long-term changes were related to Kelly's immune system, DNA repair, bone formation networks, hypoxia and hypercapnia.
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